RENT (Theatrical Release USA 2005)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

Rent—controversial—introduces viewers to New York’s East Village slum life. Well-acted by six of the original Broadway musical theatre performers, the film begins its theme of ‘needing love’ with emphasis on love in the moment without thought to later consequences. Lasting love seems to be the last thing served up in this depressingly sad film. Rent defines a lifestyle, a mindset, and a philosophical approach to life without dumbing down the reality of those choices.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline

Bohemian lifestyles, where anything goes, stand up under the limelight and allow a completely thorough investigation.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Chris Columbus for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Allan S. Gordon, Kevin McCollum, Lata Ryan, and Jeffrey Seller for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp), Roger Davis (Adam Pascal), Mimi Marquez (Rosario Dawson), Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), Angel Dumott Schunard (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), Maureen Johnson (Idina Menzel), and Joanne Jefferson (Tracie Thoms).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. Without the music, this story becomes a tragedy hard to bear. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE ADVENTURES OF PLUTO NASH (Theatrical Release USA 2002)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Adventures of Pluto Nash—campy, comical, futuristic science fiction—has a fresh approach to the usual science fiction fare. Human relationships with robots also take a creative bend. Mafia operating on the moon gives a comedic edge to the dialogue and scenes. Eddie Murphy and Randy Quaid team as the main actors in the film. The comedic element styles on Eddie Murphy’s traditional presentations. It’s a fun, adult watch with suggestive scenes. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline 

This futuristic comedy film is about a time when people are living on the moon. Pluto Nash owns his own nightclub and becomes involved with mafia. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Ron Underwood for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martin Bregman, Michael Scott Bregman, and Louis A. Stroller for making the film possible. Cast includes: Eddie Murphy, Randy Quaid, Rosario Dawson, Joe Pantoliano, Jay Mohr, Luis Guzman, James Rebhorn, Peter Boyle, Pam Grier, and John Cleese. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The movie sports some great costuming and good action scenes, but mostly serves as an adult afternoon comedy watch. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

UNSTOPPABLE (Theatrical Release USA 2010)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì

Unstoppable—some good news and some bad news. The good news—action scenes are superb and characters are well done. The bad news—a few flat spots that revolve around the deaths of an engineer and injury of a main character. Overall? Thrilling, exciting with a few flat spots. It’s a ‘don’t-want-to-get-popcorn-until-the-movie-is-over’ flick.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A train leaves the train yard under its own power without its brakes engaged.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Tony Scott for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Chris Ciaffa, Jeff Kwatinetz, and Rick Yorn for making the film possible. Additional character/cast include: Frank (Denzel Washington), Will (Chris Pine), Connie (Rosario Dawson), Dewey (Ethan Suplee), Galvin (Kevin Dunn), Inspector Werner (Kevin Corrigan), Bunny (Kevin Chapman), Ned (Lew Temple), and Gilleece (T.J. Miller).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Unstoppable, another tribute to Director Tony Scott’s directing skill (Spy Games (1998), The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009), Man on Fire (2004)), defines the thriller/disaster movie genre.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers